Although still comparatively small in volume terms, there is no denying that bioplastics are gaining in importance. According to the latest study by US market researcher Freedonia (Cleveland, Ohio; www.freedonia.com), global demand could reach 1m t by 2015 (see Plasteurope.com of 15.12.2011). To make the most of this anticipated growth, the Italian bioplastic and biodegradable and compostable material association Assobioplastiche (Rome; www.assobioplastiche.org) and the Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA, Bangkok; www.tbia.or.th) on 13 June signed a memorandum of understanding under the terms of which the two groups undertake to increase their collaboration over the next 5 years.

The MoU includes sharing know-how in the fields of industrial composting and waste management; establishing industry-wide certifications and quality standards; coordinating and implementing joint research, market development and environmental initiatives; as well as developing business, training and networking programmes.

The activities are in line with the plastics industry’s development in the two countries concerned. While Thailand has been striving to become the bio-hub of Asia for some time now (see also Plasteurope.com of 15.07.2011), Italy is home of one of the world’s leading bioplastics producers, Novamont (Novara; www.novamont.com). Most recently, Versalis (Milan / Italy; www.polimerieuropa.com) – the former Polimeri Europa – touted plans to increasingly focus on bioplastics (for an overview of Italy’s plastics market, see Plasteurope.com of 30.05.2012).